Sudden flood sweeps through northern Nepal, alert issued

At least eight lives were lost in flash floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday, as roads, bridges and power stations were ravaged in regions near Tibet, officials reported. Across the border, Tibet reported significant casualties, including missing individuals in the Gyirong county after a mudslide blocked a land crossing between China and Nepal, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The Nepalese government dispatched helicopters to aid those stranded in the floods, however, the rising waters prevented helicopter landings in the affected Syapru Besi and Timure areas in Rasuwa district, a mountainous region with a population of approximately 50,000, officials warned. District administrator Narendra Pariyar cautioned that heavy casualties or property loss could occur, urging residents near the Bhote Koshi river to evacuate to higher ground.

Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that police and military forces were collaborating with rescue and relief teams, instructing residents in lower areas to relocate to safer locations. Authorities advised those living near the river to remain vigilant and take extra precautions.

China's Gyirong port, situated in the Shigatse region near Nepal's border, was also impacted by the flash floods, disrupting roads, communication lines, and power supply in the area. President Xi Jinping called for comprehensive search efforts to locate the missing, along with enhanced monitoring and early warning systems to avert further disasters.